PHILADELPHIA – The Animal Care and Control Team of Philadelphia (ACCT Philly) Board of Directors today announced current acting co-executive director Sarah Barnett as the new Executive Director, effective January 1, 2023.
In September of this year the Board formed a
search committee, co-chaired by Sandra Jones and Colena Johnson. The committee
oversaw the national search, and reviewed the qualifications of over 40
candidates, focusing on those with demonstrated experience in leading large,
open-intake shelters.
After several candidate interviews and careful deliberation, the committee’s recommendation of Sarah Barnett was unanimously accepted by the Board. “Sarah and Tara Schernecke have done an outstanding job in leading the organization through an extremely difficult year,” said Sandra Jones, co-chair of the search committee, “and while we know there will always be challenges, we are confident that with the right leadership in place, the organization will continue to make progress.”
Scherneke will move into the role of Senior Director of Operations, overseeing field services, contract compliance, animal care and facilities. Current Director of Strategic Initiatives Jessie Familetti will move into an expanded role as the Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives, overseeing intake, lifesaving and adoptions, while continuing to move special projects to completion.
